Need a new flashlight... recommendations please...

[jb3426]

Streamlight Strion led HL series here. Perfect flashlight for my use. Small enough to drop in any pocket but blindingly bright if need be. Ask the guy on my shift who flashes everyone with his headlight all the time. Mine has been soaked in hydraulic oil, coolant, brake fluid, and even dropped out of a Boeing 777 and still works. The power button is on the back cap so no searching for it. It does have 3 brightness settings all changed from the same power button (just hold it in until the level you want). The HL has the perfect balance of super brightness and wide beam spread. I work at night by the way so a good flashlight is a must for me. No batteries to change and comes with wall and 12v charging power adapters. I usually put it on the charger before going home, but it has lasted 3 nights without charging with moderate use.

777 was on the ground at the time of course, but that is still up there a good ways.

http://www.streamlight.com/en-us/product/product.html?pid=272

 

[Tinner]

I have a Fenix LD22 (2 AA), LD12 (1 AA) and an MC11 (angle head, 1 AA) at home. At work another LD22 and MC11. They've all been excellent, held up to plenty of use and abuse. The MC11 with the angle head is super handy and they are probably the most used.

The first LD22 i bought had problems, Fenix replaced it under warranty, no problem. I run them all on NiMH rechargeable.

 

[IndyGarage]

Pelican 2360 - LED 2 AA batteries, metal case - the size of the old mini mag lites - Bright enough to use for about anything. I have about 4 of them and have beat them to death and they still work great.

If you really want a CR123 light - which were very popular with halogen bulbs, but unnecessary with LED - then I like the streamlight polytac - good light, tough and easy to get a grip on.

 

[Aceman]

I went through 3 different Streamlights, one about every 6 months. The buttons were what failed on me. I keep my flashlights stored in a tool tote vertically button up.

Since then I bit the bullet and bought a Surefire that is stored the exact same way. It's been 14 months now without a single issue.

No more Streamlights for me.

http://www.surefire.com/e2laa-a-outdoorsman.html

Made in the USA.

 

[OutsideMachinist]

One I use the most is streamlight stylus pro. It is very small just barely bigger than a pen light. Fits in your pocket easy carry it every day. Battery lasts lot longer than you'd expect. It is tough I drop it on steel and concrete constantly. Plus it is only like 20 bucks. It is often covered in oil/grease as well.

It isn't as bright as say a tactical flashlight but those are like 200 bucks.

 

[Mustang1167]

A few coworkers told me about flashlights from Sam club. I ignored them and as they insisted I finally bought some. I know you said no cheap 3a lights but these are different. It's a hidden gem so try it out and tell your friends. They are Tasco led flashlights. Sams club sells them in 3 packs and includes the batteries (Duracell) for $20. I'll try to post a link. I use to be a big fan of maglite xl led series but not anymore.

http://m.samsclub.com/ip/led-flashlight-3-pack-with-batterie/prod11770317

 

[SantaAna12]

Fenix LD20. Works for me. But the raise in Fenix prices changed the equation since.I ponied up.

Mr. Franzdom.........
...
....
........

 

[stingray1966]

The brightest I have ever tested
Is the one I have In my pocket
Got it at Home Depot last week
A coast px25 I have tried a lot of flashlights
And this little thing is nothing but
Amazing I can not believe I got so
Much light out of something so small

 

[jgorm]

Get a headlamp instead. Petzl or black diamond. Once you start using a headlamp you will only have a need for super bright hand held flashlights to see long distances outside.

 

[90zcar]

I went through 3 different Streamlights, one about every 6 months. The buttons were what failed on me. I keep my flashlights stored in a tool tote vertically button up.



Since then I bit the bullet and bought a Surefire that is stored the exact same way. It's been 14 months now without a single issue.



No more Streamlights for me.



http://www.surefire.com/e2laa-a-outdoorsman.html



Made in the USA.

Why would you keep buying new ones? That's all warranty related stuff?

That's like buying a snap on socket and breaking it and buying another one and then complaining about it. Just call up streamlight. They have great customer service


Sent from my iPhone 5s using Tapatalk

 

[n8n]

Why would you keep buying new ones? That's all warranty related stuff?

That's like buying a snap on socket and breaking it and buying another one and then complaining about it. Just call up streamlight. They have great customer service


Sent from my iPhone 5s using Tapatalk

I get what he's saying, even if he's warrantying this stuff he wants stuff that doesn't fail.

That said, I don't know what the issue is here, I'd say that streamlight, surefire, pelican, etc. all are quality brands and should last through any kind of use. I'm a little more skeptical of offshore brands but I've had excellent luck with both Fenix and Sunwayman, but if I were considering a mission critical light I would limit my search to the three that I mentioned first with the addition of Malkoff.

 

[kctyphoon]

Meh, I just keep a couple spare RCR123As in my laptop bag... just like you'd keep a couple spare AA NiMHs... no problem.

In a holder of course - batteries shorting = no fun.

like one of the previous posts pointed out - its all in the use. i keep the mag light and one of the top of the line coast headlights that take 4 aa batteries. when i use them, the get used for hours at a time - all night long in some cases at work - and there is no "let me stop and recharge". when the batteries dim, they get replaced - i keep 10 of each size in my "work emergency" bag, and i buy a package of 48 for like $12 or whatever they cost at costco.. got storage cases from ebay to hold them in, and make sure i always carry more than i could possibly use in 2 nights, and have the 48 pack at home to refill.. but anyway - the rechargable lights have a purpose, i just dont think its a good choice unless you KNOW that you will have the time and a place to charge them if they get used all the time.. the disposable batteries - i can go through a set every night - so i want ones i can buy in bulk for cheap - cause they are ment to be disposable..
the only thing worse then not having a flashlight when you need it, is having one that you cant use..

 

[JonnyMac]

Led lenser p7.2. .. I almost can't believe how powerful it is..

 

[kool_BOY8323]

streamlight stylus pro 2AAA in my pocket everyday for a year now. been through 3 sets of batteries and that's cuz one of the batteries leaked in the second set. cleaned it out with white vinegar and a q-tip and it runs great. it's about the same size as a sharpie.

streamlight strion LED is probly my favorite streamlight. i got it as a 'backup' of sorts though i never really needed it, as my stinger lasted a week without recharging. i typically used it on a magnetic mount for spotlighting work while i needed both hands. though it's run time is a bit low. i'd like to be able to buy a piggyback battery kit like they have for the stingers too.

streamlight stinger DS LED was my first streamlight. after about 6 months the internal electronics took a dump, sent it back to streamlight and they got it back to me, with new electronics and a new battery even, in 6 weeks. it's still working to to this day, that was 3 years ago.

i use a 12v dewalt worklight for longer periods of time when i need a drop light of sorts, and in my new IT job all of these lights have seen use in ceilings, podiums, pc cases, floors, etc.

oh, and might i mention that they have all but rendered my maglites, mag-led's and the like to occasional use and backup in the glove compartment lights? Streamlight FTW!

 

[almac]

buy a rechargeable work/trouble light.

 

[Nortonscustom]

Persoanlly I don't get the whole, "buy an expensive flashlight with the most inconvient size battery you can find". I have mag lights. Multiple sizes, but I carry whatever the brightest 2 AA or AAA sized one the sell in lowes or HD is. there are 2 models i if I remember.. But they are bright enough to do whatever you need, batterries are cheap and u can buy in bulk or buy replacements in any gas station on earth if need be - and I won't cry or get pissed if it gets lost, left behind, or destroyed.. mine lives in a backpack i carry to work in the winter, and an EDC/work range bag when it gets warmer.. ive never "wished" i had something different.. also - some of these other small / insane lumen model lights that people buy for work or emergencies, only last a few hours - so if completey defeats the purpose of "it'll be there when i need it" type thinking..

I completely agree with you. A AA Mini Mag light can be had for $8 to $9 damn near anywhere you go. They are virtually indestructible, water/oil proof, have no poorly made tail cap switch to fail and are made in the USA. If you need it to be brighter just put in a LED upgrade for under $20 http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000B868MK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

My Mini mag is 25 years old and has been thru hell and back. Still works perfect. I put the LED kit in it last year and it's ridiculous how much light it puts out now.

 

[Davefr]

Mag Lite Pro +:

- 245 Lumens
- Uses 2 common aa batteries
- Best switch out there. It's a real switch vs a momentary switch that relies on an "always on" circuit that continually drains power.
- 2 power levels without having to cycle thru a bunch of useless modes.